Namibia: Outgoing president awarded African leadership prize

| March 23, 2015

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Namibia’s outgoing president Hifikepunye Pohamba has won the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s African leadership prize. The award recognizes good governance, and has been presented only three times in eight years.

Three former presidents – from Cape Verde, Mozambique and Botswana – have received the award. Nelson Mandela was also given an honorary award.

To win the prize, a leader must have been democratically elected and left office after serving only their constitutionally-mandated term. The winner must also have displayed “exceptional leadership.”

The prize committee praised former President Pohamba’s commitment to the rule of law, respect for Namibia’s constitution, and promotion of gender equality.

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